Bryan Mbeumo has explained his decision to snub Tottenham after Manchester United announced their £71m deal for the Brentford star.
Spurs, under the management of former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, were keen to sign the 25-year-old winger in the summer transfer window.
But United won the race for the Cameroon international, who has signed a five-year contract with the option to extend his deal a further 12 months.
The Red Devils have paid Brentford an initial £65m plus £6m in add-ons for Mbeumo, who scored 20 Premier League goals in 38 games last season.
Mbeumo has told the United website that he simply could not turn down the opportunity to join the ‘massive club’ he supported as a boy.
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Mbeumo: I can reach another level at Man Utd
‘As soon as I knew there was a chance to join Manchester United, I had to take the opportunity to sign for the club of my dreams; the team whose shirt I wore growing up,’ Mbeumo said.
‘My mentality is to always be better than I was yesterday. I know that I have the spirit and character to reach another level here learning from Ruben Amorim and playing alongside world-class players.
‘Everybody told me about the environment that is being created here and how exciting the plans are for the future.
‘This is a massive club, with an incredible stadium and amazing fans, we are all really determined to challenge for the biggest trophies.’
Man Utd ‘delighted’ to sign Brentford’s Mbeumo
Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, said: ‘Bryan’s goals and assists record in the Premier League is exceptional, his remarkable consistency has put him amongst the most productive players in England for the last three seasons.
‘Bryan’s belief in our project and determination to join the club confirmed that he was the perfect fit for Manchester United and the culture that we are developing.
‘We are delighted to have secured another one of our primary targets ahead of the pre-season tour.
‘The experience in the US will be the perfect opportunity for Bryan to work with Ruben and his new team-mates as we prepare for an exciting season ahead.’
Frank: Mbeumo ‘deserves’ Man Utd move
Spurs boss Frank knows Mbeumo incredibly well from their time together at Brentford – and has no hard feelings over his decision to pick United.
‘Bryan, of course, is a fantastic player,’ Frank said on Saturday about his former star.
‘I have been with him for five years. I think he deserved the move, no matter where he goes.
‘As a player I wish him all the best when you’ve been with a player for so long.’
Mbeumo made a total of 242 appearances for Brentford across all competitions, conjuring up 70 goals and 51 assists for the Bees.
from: elfutbolero.us